1 June 2010
The Independent, Andy Gill
Metcalfe: Constant filter & other works'Most recently to be found helping Peter Gabriel transform the cover versions on Scratch My Back, John Metcalfe here furnishes cellist Matthew Barley with a series of pieces mostly composed for solo cello and electronics. Using computerised octave-splitters and delay units, Barley achieves a surprising depth of sound and harmonic richness, particularly on the title-track, where echoing wisps of electronic sound flutter around the cello like butterflies; Lonely Bay, on which the concentration necessitated by using a 40-second loop imposes a deep meditative calm; and The Appearance of Colour, where the slow accretion, note by note, of a single 25-note chord produces an imposing serenity' (The Independent)

1 June 2010
Classical Music Magazine, Catherine Groom
Pachelbel: Vespers'A fascinating album of Vespers movements by a Thuringian organist of canonic status: Johann Pachelbel. Composed while Pachelbel was organist at Nuremberg's Sebalduskirche, these works conform to the liturgical practices of the South German early reformation. Elements of the choral writing sound not unlike that of Pachelbel's predecessor Schiitz—though director Ng's informative and well-researched liner notes point out that Pachelbel would have absorbed the concerted Italianate style while an apprentice in Vienna. Charivari Agréable is on excellent form, here, with sensitive leadership from Bojan Cicic and supportive continuo playing. The King's Singers are equally stylish, though miked far too close for comfort' (Classical Music Magazine)
1 May 2010
Classic FM Magazine, Charlotte Gardner
Naked Byrd, Vol. 1'The ‘Naked’ in the title refers to naked passion. The Armonico consort’s wide-ranging programme includes composers from Byrd to Górecki, united by their ‘tendency to wear their hearts on their sleeves and their ability to fix a sense of raw emotion’. Frustratingly, this live concert recording could have done with a bit more of the latter. Despite some lovely moments, the singing doesn’t always pick up on the meaning of the texts, some tempi are surprisingly slow and there are tuning glitches. Tallis’s Loqubantur variis linguis falls down on all three fronts with some dreay ‘hallelujahs’. However, Allegri’s Miserere Mei is well done' (Classic FM Magazine)
1 May 2010
Classica, France, Marc Desmet
Victoria: Lamentations of Jeremiah‘These Lamentations … attest to the marvellous sensibility of the group and to the durability of an inimitable vocal style’ (Classica, France)
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